An estimated 80 percent of people will experience low back pain at some point in their lives. In fact, low back pain is the third most common reason for doctor visits according to the Mayo Clinic. Given the prevalence, it’s no surprise that numerous people around Temecula, CA visit Dr. Nathen Horst for chiropractic treatment to relieve low back pain.

A number of people have come to Horst Chiropractic as a way of treating low back pain without the use of prescription medications. A recent study from the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open looked at insurance coverage for nonpharmacologic low back pain treatments. Let’s consider the desire to avoid pharmacologic pain relief and what this JAMA study found out about insurance coverage for nonpharmacologic treatments.

Avoiding Medication for Lower Back Pain

The opioid epidemic has made many people wary about pharmacologic solutions. The numbers surrounding this health crisis are staggering.

More than 130 people die each day due to opioid overdose; more than 1,000 people visit the emergency room each day due to opioid misuse.

Rather than risk addiction and opioid abuse, chiropractic care and other nonpharmacologic therapies provide safer options for pain relief and wellness.

Analyzing Insurance Coverage for Low Back Pain Treatment

The authors of the JAMA Network Open study compared insurance coverage for five kinds of nonpharmacologic low back pain therapy. The study looked at 45 commercial, Medicaid, and Medicare Advantage insurance plans.

The five methods for nonpharmacologic treatment were as follows:

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Chiropractic care
• Acupuncture
• Therapeutic massage

The study also examined six additional nonpharmacologic therapies covered by Medicaid plans, and conducted interviews with 43 senior medical and pharmacy health plan executives.

What the Study Tried to Determine

The JAMA Network Open study tried to determine the likelihood of receiving insurance coverage for nonpharmacologic treatments for non-cancer-related cases of chronic low back pain. To receive coverage, the nonpharmacologic would have to be considered medically necessary.

What the Study Found

The study found that insurance coverage varied wildly for nonpharmacologic low back pain treatments. Since the results varied so much, it highlighted the need for insurers and policymakers to improve patient/consumer access to nonpharmacologic low back pain treatment.

Breaking Down the Results of the Study

Among commercial insurance plans, researchers found that physical therapy and occupational therapy were most likely to be covered. For chiropractic care, commercial insurance plans would either cover treatment or deem it medically necessary if certain conditions were met.

Medicare Advantage Plans data showed similar outcomes to commercial insurance plans. Physical therapy and occupational therapy were usually covered. Chiropractic care would be covered depending on the condition of the lower back and the health care professional performing chiropractic treatment.

Looking at coverage between commercial plans and Medicare Advantage Plans, chiropractic care consistently ranked third in coverage, close behind physical therapy and occupational therapy, respectively.

What Does the Study Mean for Chiropractic Care?

Commercial insurance plans and Medicare Advantage Plans both acknowledge the effectiveness and need for chiropractic care when treating low back pain. That’s a major sign of confidence in the medical benefits of chiropractic treatment.

As we continue to combat the opioid epidemic and prevent future tragedies from happening, chiropractic care will remain a vital part of alleviating pain and promoting total wellness.

Contact Dr. Nathen Horst

For more information about treating lower back pain, it’s important that you contact an experienced chiropractor and pain relief specialist. The team at Horst Chiropractic is here to help you receive the help you need and improve your overall wellness.